HC Deb 10 July 1950 vol 477 c945
59. Mr. Macdonald

asked the Minister of Food if he will now make the use of the captive bolt killer compulsory in all slaughterhouses so that inspectors can ensure by visual evidence that all beasts have been killed by humane means.

Mr. Webb

I would refer the hon. Member to the reply I gave to the hon. Member for Hastings (Mr. Cooper-Key) on 25th May.

Mr. Macdonald

As from time to time the question is raised whether animals are killed by humane methods, will the Minister place the matter beyond doubt by installing the captive bolt killer in every slaughterhouse? If he is not prepared to do that, will he install it in every case where I can bring evidence to his attention that the humane killer has not been used?

Mr. Webb

Everything possible is done to avoid unnecessary suffering to animals killed in slaughterhouses. If the hon. Gentleman has evidence to the contrary, I really would like to have it.

Sir T. Moore

Will the right hon. Gentleman ensure that electrical stunning is retained until it has been found to be unsatisfactory and in cases where a humane killer obviously could not be used?

Mr. Hastings

Will my right hon. Friend tell me if I am correct in assuming that the only way to be sure that a beast has been humanely killed, is for the killing to take place with the captive bolt?

Mr. Webb

I am advised that that is so.

Mr. Nicholson

Am I right in thinking that what the right hon. Gentleman says does not imply that he is satisfied that conditions in slaughterhouses are perfect now, because that is very far from the truth?

Mr. Webb

I am never satisfied.

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